Underwater Cleaner Filter Scraper Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing underwater cleaning machines require frequent filter changes, which is time-consuming and costly, and results in reduced suction power due to filter clogging, affecting their cleaning performance.

Innovation Solution

The underwater cleaning machine employs continuous mechanical filter cleaning using scrapers or vibrators, ensuring optimal performance by maintaining maximum water flow and preventing filter clogging, with the option of combining mechanical and fluidic cleaning principles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If the filter is used continuously without cleaning, then the cleaning machine can operate for extended periods, but the filter becomes clogged with dirt reducing water flow and suction power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating time between filter replacementsVSAvoidwater flow and suction power
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous cleaning action during the filter's operation. A scraper mechanism continuously removes accumulated dirt from the filter surface while water flows through it, ensuring the filter maintains optimal permeability throughout its service life rather than degrading until replacement is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The filter cleans itself through the integrated scraper mechanism that automatically removes dirt accumulation. The system uses the existing water flow and a driving mechanism to activate the scraper, allowing the filter to maintain its own performance without external intervention or shutdown for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the filter is cleaned frequently to maintain performance, then suction power remains optimal, but the cleaning machine must be taken out of service frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction powerVSAvoiddowntime for filter maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning action occurs continuously during normal operation rather than requiring periodic shutdowns. The scraper mechanism operates concurrently with water filtration, eliminating the need to stop the cleaning machine for filter maintenance and maintaining uninterrupted productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The scraper continuously removes dirt before it significantly clogs the filter pores. By performing preventive cleaning action throughout operation, the system prevents performance degradation rather than reacting to it, maintaining optimal suction power without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If a mechanical cleaning system is added to clean the filter continuously, then filter performance is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter cleaning efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driving mechanism serves dual purposes: it drives the cleaning machine forward through water jets and simultaneously rotates the filter to enable the scraper to clean its surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, mitigating the increase in complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the filter support structure, driving mechanism, and scraper assembly into an integrated unit. The filter is mounted on a support that is directly driven by the machine's propulsion system, merging multiple functions into a single structural assembly rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution allows the cleaning machine to operate continuously with optimal performance, maintaining high suction power and extending the time between filter replacements, as the filter remains clean and efficient throughout its operation.

Implementation Method 1

The scraper moves relative to the surface of the at least one filter, i.e., for example, the scraper is moved past the filter or the filter is moved past the scraper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

vibrators or vibration generators to vibrate the at least one filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

it is advantageous if the mechanical cleaning is further supported by a counterflow principle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCounter-current flow: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3189196B1Underwater cleaning machine having a filter device
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 REUSS TORSTEN
  • EP3189196B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3189196B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3189196B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an underwater cleaning machine (10) having a filter device (45) for a water flow (W), which flows into the filter device (45) via a dirty-water inlet (48), flows through at least one filter (50) of the filter device (45), which at least one filter filters dirt from the water flow (W), and flows out of the filter device (45) via an outlet (51), wherein the filter device (45) comprises a dirt collection container (46) for collecting dirt filtered from the water flow (W), which dirt collection container is arranged between the dirty-water inlet (48) and the at least one filter (50), and wherein the filter device (45) is designed for long-term operation underwater. According to the invention, the underwater cleaning machine comprises a cleaning device (60, 160; 260) for cleaning the at least one filter (50).